Growing up as a Boy Scout in Arkansas, I collected pocket knives and carried them around religiously with no problems. However, as I’ve continued carrying knives over the past two decades, I’ve learned that experience is different for everyone in other states and cities. It’s essential to understand the laws and regulations surrounding knife possession for minors and the potential risks and consequences, legal and otherwise, for minors carrying a knife.
A minor may carry a knife legally in some cases. However, it could also lead to severe penalties and consequences. Generally, whether a minor can carry a knife where you live varies depending on local laws and regulations, the type of knife, and the circumstances under which it is carried.
The rest of this article will discuss the laws regarding minors carrying knives, the different types of knives and their legal implications in various jurisdictions, and the potential risks and consequences associated with knife possession by minors. Also, I’ll explore how important it is to teach minors about the responsible use and handling of knives.
Laws Regarding Minors Carrying Knives
Knife laws vary by state and sometimes even by city. However, there are some general guidelines and legal implications to consider when it comes to minors carrying knives.
Age Restrictions
Many states have age restrictions when it comes to minors carrying knives.
In some states, it’s illegal for minors under a certain age (usually 16 or 18) to carry any knife, while other states may only have restrictions on specific types of knives, such as switchblades or fixed-blade knives.
For instance, New York prohibits minors under 16 from possessing a “dangerous knife.” Meanwhile, those under 18 in Texas can carry blades up to 5.5 inches (13.97 cm).
Type of Knife
The type of knife a minor carries can also play a significant role in the legality of the situation. Thus, when getting into the legal aspects of minors carrying knives, it’s essential to understand the different types of knives and their uses.
Here are some of the most common types:
- Pocket knives: These are small, folding knives with a blade that fits inside the handle. They’re often used for everyday tasks like opening packages or cutting fruit.
- Multi-tool knives: Sometimes called “Swiss Army knives,” these knives combine a blade with other tools, such as a screwdriver, bottle opener, or scissors.
- Fixed-blade knives: These knives have a simple non-folding blade attached to a handle and are often used for hunting, camping, and other outdoor activities.
- Switchblades: These are automatic knives with a blade that opens with the push of a button or by applying pressure to a lever or switch.
- Butterfly knives: Also known as balisongs, these knives have a blade concealed within two handles that rotate around the blade’s tang, another word for the lower part of a blade where it’s attached to the handle.
- Kitchen knives: These are specifically designed for food preparation, such as slicing, dicing, or chopping.
Some states restrict certain types of knives, such as switchblades, butterfly knives, or fixed-blade knives.
In some cases, even pocket knives with a blade length over a specific limit (usually 2.5 to 4 inches [6.35 to 10.16 cm]) can be illegal for minors—or adults, for that matter—to carry.
Location
The place where a minor is carrying a knife can also impact the legality of the situation. For example, it’s generally illegal for minors to have knives on school grounds or at other public events or locations where weapons are prohibited, just as it is for adults.
Intent
The intent behind carrying a knife can also make a difference in the legality of a minor carrying a knife. If a minor is found to be carrying a knife with the intent to use it as a weapon or for criminal purposes, they may face legal consequences even if it’s otherwise lawful to carry the knife.
Legal Consequences for Minors Carrying Knives
If the authorities catch a minor illegally carrying a knife, they may face various legal consequences, depending on the specific circumstances and jurisdiction.
Confiscation of the Knife
In most cases, if law enforcement discovers a minor is carrying a knife illegally, they’ll confiscate the knife. They probably won’t return it, but officials may give it back to the minor’s guardians, depending on the circumstances.
Fines
Minors found to be carrying a knife illegally may face fines, which can vary depending on the jurisdiction and severity of the offense. A minor’s legal guardians will most likely be responsible for the fine.
Probation
In some cases, minors carrying a knife illegally may be placed on probation. This may include various conditions such as participating in counseling, maintaining good behavior, and regular check-ins with a probation officer.
Prosecution
It’s always possible that the state decides to criminally prosecute a minor caught with an illegal knife, either in the juvenile system or as an adult. This is more likely to be the case if it’s determined that the minor intended to use the knife as a weapon to commit a crime.
Remember that the penalties for minors caught carrying a knife can differ depending on the state laws, circumstances, and the specific type of knife.
Knife Laws by State
Knife laws in the United States vary from state to state, making it essential to understand the regulations in your area. Some states have strict laws governing the possession and carrying of knives, while others have more lenient regulations.
This table provides a rough guide to the many different laws. It should not be taken as legal advice, and it’s always possible that information needs to be included or updated. If you need more clarification, check your state code.
| State | Legal Age to Carry a Knife | Other Restrictions for Minors |
| Alabama | None specified | It’s illegal to provide a minor with a “bowie knife” or similar weapon. |
| Alaska | None specified | Minors under 21 may not carry a concealed “deadly weapon” such as a switchblade. |
| Arizona | None specified | Minors under 21 may not carry concealed switchblades. |
| Arkansas | None specified | None |
| California | None specified | It’s illegal for both minors and adults to carry a concealed knife. |
| Colorado | None specified | It’s illegal for both minors and adults to carry a concealed knife with a blade over 3.5 inches (8.89 cm). |
| Connecticut | None specified | None |
| Delaware | None specified | It’s illegal for both minors and adults to carry a concealed knife with a blade over three inches (7.62 cm). |
| Florida | 18 | Minors may not purchase knives other than pocket knives. |
| Georgia | None specified | None |
| Hawaii | None specified | Switchblades and butterfly knives are illegal for both minors and adults. |
| Idaho | 18 | It’s illegal to sell or transfer a knife to a minor. |
| Illinois | None specified | None |
| Indiana | None specified | None |
| Iowa | None specified | It’s illegal for both minors and adults to carry a switchblade or knife with a blade longer than five inches (12.7 cm) concealed. |
| Kansas | None specified | None |
| Kentucky | 21 | None |
| Louisiana | None specified | None |
| Maine | None specified | None |
| Maryland | 18 | Minors in certain counties may not carry a knife between one hour after sunset and one hour before sunrise unless participating in certain activities such as hunting. |
| Massachusetts | None specified | None |
| Michigan | None specified | It’s illegal for both minors and adults to carry a “dangerous weapon” concealed. |
| Minnesota | None specified | None |
| Mississippi | 18 | It’s illegal for minors to carry a “deadly weapon” or for an adult to provide them with one. |
| Missouri | None specified | None |
| Montana | None specified | None |
| Nebraska | None specified | It’s illegal for both minors and adults to carry a knife with a blade longer than 3.5 inches (8.89 cm) concealed. |
| Nevada | None specified | None |
| New Hampshire | None specified | None |
| New Jersey | None specified | It’s illegal to sell a knife with a blade over five inches (12.7 cm) to a minor. |
| New Mexico | None specified | It’s illegal for both minors and adults to carry a “deadly weapon” concealed. |
| New York | 16 | None |
| North Carolina | None specified | It’s illegal to provide a minor with a “bowie knife.” |
| North Dakota | None specified | None |
| Ohio | None specified | It’s illegal for both minors and adults to carry a “deadly weapon” concealed. |
| Oklahoma | None specified | None |
| Oregon | None specified | It’s illegal for both minors and adults to carry an automatic knife or butterfly knife concealed. |
| Pennsylvania | None specified | None |
| Rhode Island | None specified | It’s illegal for both minors and adults to carry a knife with a blade longer than three inches (7.62 cm) concealed. It’s also illegal to provide these weapons to a minor. |
| South Carolina | None specified | None |
| South Dakota | None specified | None |
| Tennessee | None specified | None |
| Texas | None specified | Minors may only carry a knife with a blade longer than 5.5 inches (13.97 cm) in specific conditions. |
| Utah | None specified | None |
| Vermont | None specified | It’s illegal to provide a minor with a switchblade with a blade longer than three inches (7.62 cm). It’s also illegal to provide a “dangerous weapon” to a minor under 16. |
| Virginia | 18 | It’s illegal for both minors and adults to carry a switchblade concealed. It’s also illegal to provide a minor with a switchblade or “bowie knife.” |
| Washington | None specified | It’s illegal for both minors and adults to carry a knife concealed. |
| West Virginia | 18 | It’s illegal for minors to possess a “deadly weapon.” |
| Wisconsin | 18 | It’s illegal for minors to possess a “deadly weapon.” |
| Wyoming | None specified | It’s illegal for a minor under 21 to carry a concealed knife. |
When referencing this chart, keep the following in mind:
- Legal age: Unless the age is otherwise specified, “minor” refers to someone under 18.
- Knife type restrictions: While most states allow minors to carry knives, many apply restrictions to certain types of knives, like switchblades.
- Concealed carry: Many states require a permit for carrying a concealed knife, while others don’t. Some states only prohibited concealed carry for minors.
- Location restrictions: The above table doesn’t include restrictions on carrying knives at specific locations like schools. These are common in many states.
- City ordinances: Even if there are no restrictions in your state, your town or city may prohibit minors from carrying knives or have other restrictions.
What Minors and Parents Need To Know About Carrying a Knife
If you’re a minor or a parent of a minor who wishes to carry a knife, here are some essential things to consider:
- Understand your state’s laws: As mentioned earlier, knife laws vary from state to state. While the table above is a good place to start, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the specific laws in your state and city.
- Educate yourself on knife safety: If a minor is allowed to carry a knife in your state, they need to know how to carry and handle the knife safely.
- Choose the right knife: Select a knife that’s appropriate for the minor’s age and intended use. For example, a butterfly knife isn’t good for field dressing a deer.
- Supervision and guidance: Parents should provide supervision and guidance when a minor uses a knife. This will help ensure that the minor uses the knife responsibly and learns proper handling and safety.
- Know the consequences: Be aware of the potential legal consequences for a minor caught carrying a knife. Even if carrying a knife is legal, certain activities with a knife may still be illegal and result in fines, probation, or other penalties, depending on the state and circumstances.
Final Thoughts
The question of whether a minor can carry a knife depends on the specific laws in their state, the type of knife, and the circumstances. Minors and parents must understand the legal requirements and potential consequences before deciding to carry a knife. Additionally, proper education and supervision are crucial in ensuring minors use knives safely and responsibly.
For more, check out How Old You Have To Be To Own a Knife (State-by-State Chart).
Christian grew up in the Ozarks where he spent much of his childhood on his grandparents’ homestead learning about firearms, hunting, and the great outdoors. He graduated with his BA in English and German from the University of Arkansas in 2012, after which he was a Fulbright Fellow in Germany.
An avid traditional bowhunter, much of his writing covers this and other similar topics, but he also covers just about everything from history and economics to motorcycles.
Christian has been featured on pewpewtactical.com, fee.org, mises.org, boredpanda.com, and numerous other major publications. He also is a journalist concerned with political and economic analysis and has written for the Mallorca Daily Bulletin. See more of his work at ChristianMonson.com.
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